Odd Bunny Behaviour UPDATE 14/8/06

I picked up a New Foster on Sunday. He's a very pretty, apparently neutered buck, with issues. He's a serious biter. You can read his history on here:
http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=25307

Anyway, the lady I got him from, who has fostered him for 6 weeks, showed me some bites she had - she was obviously nervous around him.

I got him home, & he's settled in a dog crate in my living room. He was very quiet - didn't seem to like the travelling much, but he's acting "odd".

I had him on my knee last night (I checked, def a boy), & he seemed quite happy to be stroked. (I had a jumper on, 2 pairs of trousers & hiking socks on my feet & hands Was boiling!!!). But he's relaxed, then suddenly he tenses up, arches his back (& looks hunched), tail goes up, ears go back. I waited for the bite & just kept talking gently to him, & he seemed to relax again. The whole thing lasted seconds. He did it several times. He also did it when he was alone in his dog crate. (I was a few feet away, talking to him). I fed him his tea (mix at the min), & he ate it happily enough, with me nearby, but sometimes he lifted his head right up to eat. When a horse does this, it can sometimes mean their teeth need checking.

The lady I got him from, said that he wasn't too bad when she got him, but got worse as his confidence grew. Also, when I sexed him, he was making those quiet wuffling noises that a bun makes when it's scared - but no evident aggression.

He also apparently loves digging.

Is there anyway I can see if he's neutered, or will a vet be able to see?

I'm off to the vets on Friday for a VHD (a bun, obviously not me! :shock: ), so he's coming for a once over.

Dunno. :?

Sounds like a frrightened bun to me - must have had a bad people experience - but don't know what to suggest.

Erm...after Hann was neutered the 'sacks' looked kind of small and shrunken- there was a marked difference from before the neuter.

I would deffo get his back teeth checked out as it does sounds rather strange :?

Hi Angie

Three out of the five buns I have had from the same place as this bun have had dental problems, two quite serious. Two of the bunnies have now passed away (Sweetpea in June and I lost little Juliet on Saturday night). I did mention to Kathy that he may be in pain hence the aggression - hope his teeth are okay. The hutches were very small so back pain is perhaps another possibility. You have my number if I can help at all - however the rough handling these buns received and the lack of veterinary care is obviously taking their toll.



Sarah

it does sound strange Angie .
not behaviour like Arthur our biter shows .

id def get him checked out to rule out pain related behaviour .

just a word of warning . Just cos he hasnt biten yet doesnt mean he wont . watch him closely and note the signs . once you can read him he ll be easier to handle .
Arthur didnt bite at first :shock: :?

poor boy . might just be a case of getting his own back on us humans .

Angie

Just a thought have you tried doing some T Touches on his back?

(if you aren't too hot!)

Sounds like he might be a bit sore?

Jx

Cheers guys.

Will get the vet to check him over Friday.

He's completely puzzling me. He's almost friendly - really curious, & running over to have a look at me, then completely changing his behaviour. I do think it might be pain.

Still not bitten yet, but taking precautions!

sitting with the held held upwards is also a sign that the rabbit has difficultly breathing (occasional seen in a rabbit that has bloat...pressure on the lungs/ respiratory infections /and heart problems) i would ask the vet to listen to his chest to make sure his heart rate is normal.

maxxev said:

sitting with the held held upwards is also a sign that the rabbit has difficultly breathing (occasional seen in a rabbit that has bloat...pressure on the lungs/ respiratory infections /and heart problems) i would ask the vet to listen to his chest to make sure his heart rate is normal.

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Will do :thumb:

Well, I'm pretty sure it's not fear that causes the biting!! Last night, after dashing madly round the living room for a half hour, Calel (possible Superman obsession going too far ), jumped onto the settee.
I was happily watching Sex & The City, drinking red wine (ran out of white :? ), so had removed full-handling-bun-body-armour. I then spent the next 20 mins getting humped & sprayed. No biting, whatsoever - a bit of over-zealous licking, & turns out he REALLY likes my right knee. :shock: He doesn't like his head being touched, but behind the ears is fine, & he let me pick him up - but in a "I can still see your knee..."way. This morning he was eating yoghurt drops out of my un-gloved hand & I was allowed to give him a nose rub, though I don't think he really knew what to make of it.

I will bet the rest of my salary, that he is un-neutered!!! (Sorry guys - vets bills means there's about £8 left!!! :lol: )

I think he lurves you :lol: :lol: :lol:

Glad to hear you've not been eaten though!!

:lol: :lol: :lol: Awww bless him.

It was so funny - I didn't want to cause any biting (figured the longer he gets used to NOT biting, the better), so I just sat there & kept pushing him off me!! Mum rang & I was like "Can I call back, I've just been cornered by a rabbit" :lol:

:lol: :lol: :lol: Sounds like he needs the snip! :shock:

Estelle said:

:lol: :lol: :lol: Sounds like he needs the snip! :shock:

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He's meant to be neutered already!!! :lol:

Well, he's been to the Vets. Vet was happy with his weight/teeth/coat/back & apparently he IS neutered.
He then bit her.

Right. What next? :? :lol:

That is a bit odd :?

Could just be a bit eccentric :lol:

or perhaps....I don't know anything about it....but maybe he has some kind of minor brain damage?? :?

Or, wasn't he kept in really bad conditions before?....perhaps he's just not used to 'normal' bunny behaviour?

Maybe he'll calm down with a friend